DreamTheaterForums.org Dream Theater Fan Site

General => General Music Discussion => Topic started by: RoeDent on August 14, 2017, 08:39:29 AM

Title: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: RoeDent on August 14, 2017, 08:39:29 AM
Which bands ended their career on a perfect note? I'm struggling to think of examples. Pink Floyd managed to hold their perfect ending (The Division Bell, and High Hopes) for 20 years or so but then they went and did The Endless River, thus ruining it. At the moment, Rush have perhaps got it, with Clockwork Angels and The Garden.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: bill1971 on August 14, 2017, 09:33:03 AM
I was thinking the same thing, Rush and The Garden. Perfect ending. Even their last tour, how they went to in reverse order on the tour until they were "gone".

The Division Bell, High Hopes is pretty damn perfect too. I know they released that "new" album, but I consider that almost just unreleased tracks.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Bolsters on August 14, 2017, 09:34:06 AM
Electric Ladyland was the first to come to mind, if you ignore the multitude of posthumous releases (which I prefer to do).

I quite like Roy Orbison's Mystery Girl.

I couldn't get into it myself, but Bowie's Blackstar was very well received.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Tomislav95 on August 14, 2017, 09:42:12 AM
Leonard Cohen and his You Want It Darker comes to mind. Not just because I love that album but also because of the themes that go throughout the album, he knew the end is near.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: rumborak on August 14, 2017, 09:43:58 AM
I couldn't get into it myself, but Bowie's Blackstar was very well received.

It was stunning that Bowie, after such a long hiatus, could produce two excellent albums before his death.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: MirrorMask on August 14, 2017, 09:50:17 AM
Speaking of bands that screwed up the ending... I point my finger at The Scorpions, doing another album after the last track on the "final" one was called The Best is Yet to Come, a perfect statement.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Zantera on August 14, 2017, 10:27:43 AM
I mean, depends on how you look at it, I would argue Abbey Road by The Beatles (the End medley is a great ending to the album) but technically Let it Be was released after, even if it was recorded before.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: ZKX-2099 on August 14, 2017, 10:32:07 AM
Dillinger Escape Plan just released what they say will be their final album and I think it's a great way to end a career.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: King Postwhore on August 14, 2017, 10:42:28 AM
I mean, depends on how you look at it, I would argue Abbey Road by The Beatles (the End medley is a great ending to the album) but technically Let it Be was released after, even if it was recorded before.

This is a great one.

Queen Innuendo -- The Show Must Go On.  This lyrics are haunting and poetic, the music haunting.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Evermind on August 14, 2017, 11:06:35 AM
Pink Floyd managed to hold their perfect ending (The Division Bell, and High Hopes) for 20 years or so but then they went and did The Endless River, thus ruining it.

Leonard Cohen and his You Want It Darker comes to mind. Not just because I love that album but also because of the themes that go throughout the album, he knew the end is near.

Speaking of bands that screwed up the ending... I point my finger at The Scorpions, doing another album after the last track on the "final" one was called The Best is Yet to Come, a perfect statement.

I agree with all of this.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: DragonAttack on August 14, 2017, 11:11:46 AM
'Perfect note' being a great final release, then 'Innuendo' and 'Abbey Road' fit. 

'Synchronicity' ....at their height in popularity, and their best album.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Samsara on August 14, 2017, 11:17:57 AM
The first band that came to mind, without reading anything but the OP subject line, was:

RUSH

/thread.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Art on August 14, 2017, 11:29:53 AM
Had they not toured without Bill Ward, i would say Black Sabbath. But the way they left him out of the whole reunion was not cool. I do like 13 as an album, though.  And also The Devil You Know is an awesome ending for the Dio-fronted Sabbath.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: rumborak on August 14, 2017, 11:54:05 AM
The first band that came to mind, without reading anything but the OP subject line, was:
RUSH
/thread.

*reopens thread*

Queen Innuendo -- The Show Must Go On.  This lyrics are haunting and poetic, the music haunting.

That album was an incredible, and poignant, closer to the band's career.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Adami on August 14, 2017, 12:00:17 PM
The first band that came to mind, without reading anything but the OP subject line, was:
RUSH
/thread.

*reopens thread*

Queen Innuendo -- The Show Must Go On.  This lyrics are haunting and poetic, the music haunting.

That album was an incredible, and poignant, closer to the band's career.

As far as studio's album go. Agreed. But the band....much like the show, did go on. I think the tribute show would have been a perfect ending. Then they kept going. They're still going. Hard to call just their last album the end of their career.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 14, 2017, 12:00:53 PM
Queen Innuendo -- The Show Must Go On.  This lyrics are haunting and poetic, the music haunting.

But then there was Made In Heaven and the Paul Rodgers album, so it wasn't really the ending.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Shadow Ninja 2.0 on August 14, 2017, 12:03:04 PM
I wouldn't say Dissociation is DEP's best album, but it's a pretty great way to go out.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Samsara on August 14, 2017, 12:15:41 PM
The first band that came to mind, without reading anything but the OP subject line, was:
RUSH
/thread.

*reopens thread*

Queen Innuendo -- The Show Must Go On.  This lyrics are haunting and poetic, the music haunting.

That album was an incredible, and poignant, closer to the band's career.

 :lol

Innuendo was an amazing capper.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: rumborak on August 14, 2017, 12:22:19 PM
I don't view either Queen+Lambert or the posthumous albums to be "Queen". IMO the last album of the band was Innuendo. The rest is "lost tapes" and "The Queen Experience".
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Samsara on August 14, 2017, 12:24:29 PM
I don't view either Queen+Lambert or the posthumous albums to be "Queen". IMO the last album of the band was Innuendo. The rest is "lost tapes" and "The Queen Experience".

I don't either. I think it was a wise move for Queen to call themselves Queen+Paul Rodgers and Queen+Adam Lambert. It allows them to benefit by using the band name, but at the same time making clear it isn't quite the same. Very smart marketing.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Mladen on August 14, 2017, 12:25:26 PM
Rush, with Bowie being right behind them.

I would have said Queen - however, Made in heaven.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: King Postwhore on August 14, 2017, 12:39:39 PM
Rush, with Bowie being right behind them.

I would have said Queen - however, Made in heaven.

As Rumbo said "lost tapes"  It was the other band members finishing up songs. I don't count that as the true last album.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: LordCost on August 14, 2017, 12:49:38 PM
Dillinger Escape Plan just released what they say will be their final album and I think it's a great way to end a career.
First band that came to my mind reading this post
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Luoto on August 14, 2017, 12:55:03 PM
Out of the bands not already mentioned, Sentenced comes to mind immediately. "End of the Road", the last song they ever wrote, is excellent and it was a worthy ending for their "funeral" at Teatria back in the day. Their last album was received really well too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BtC3hnea0E
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: RoeDent on August 14, 2017, 01:36:23 PM
...and 'Abbey Road' fit. 

Ah, but then they undermined that with Let It Be. Abbey Road should have been their swansong as far as studio albums go, but there you go.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Lowdz on August 14, 2017, 01:46:07 PM
I mean, depends on how you look at it, I would argue Abbey Road by The Beatles (the End medley is a great ending to the album) but technically Let it Be was released after, even if it was recorded before.

This is a great one.

Queen Innuendo -- The Show Must Go On.  This lyrics are haunting and poetic, the music haunting.

This. The Queen + albums don't count.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Nick on August 14, 2017, 01:47:44 PM
Obviously, I'm biased, but definitely Rush. The last album was amazing. If I could pick any song from any album to be the last studio track on Rush's last studio record I would be hard pressed to find a better one than The Garden. And the last tour was absolutely phenomenal.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: RoeDent on August 14, 2017, 02:50:16 PM
Even without Queen+, you still have Made in Heaven, which undermines the finality of Innuendo and The Show Must Go On. And Made in Heaven includes Freddie, so you can't use the lack of Mercury as an excuse to exclude MIH from the canon. So Queen are out of the equation, as it were.

It's difficult, though, isn't it? So many band endings are ambiguous. There aren't that many definitive, "this is the end" moments in rock history.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: MirrorMask on August 14, 2017, 02:57:17 PM
It's difficult, though, isn't it? So many band endings are ambiguous. There aren't that many definitive, "this is the end" moments in rock history.

I hope my favorite band of all time, Iron Maiden, will have this. I don't want them to end the way Black Sabbath did, dragged out amidst many years of uncertainty and lineup changes, with the risk of goddamn cancer having the final word on it instead of them (luckily Tony Iommi is doing well so far).
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Anguyen92 on August 14, 2017, 03:18:25 PM
It's difficult, though, isn't it? So many band endings are ambiguous. There aren't that many definitive, "this is the end" moments in rock history.

I hope my favorite band of all time, Iron Maiden, will have this. I don't want them to end the way Black Sabbath did, dragged out amidst many years of uncertainty and lineup changes, with the risk of goddamn cancer having the final word on it instead of them (luckily Tony Iommi is doing well so far).

The potential for that perfect ending could not have happened if Adrian and Bruce did not come back to Iron Maiden and would have probably ended the way that Sabbath did.  However, since they did came back and five new albums strong with the same line-up and a big legion of fans, old and new, supporting them, I think their chance for that perfect ending is really high.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: TAC on August 14, 2017, 03:40:54 PM
And also The Devil You Know is an awesome ending for the Dio-fronted Sabbath.

I was thinking about this, but more in terms of Ronnie James Dio. He struggled for a number of years, but he was fantastic on this album and tour.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Mosh on August 14, 2017, 05:27:11 PM
Iron Maiden are definitely on the path to a perfect ending, will probably go the way of Rush.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: TAC on August 14, 2017, 05:30:52 PM
Iron Maiden are definitely on the path to a perfect ending, will probably go the way of Rush.

As long as we don't get Reraising Hell, I'm good with whatever happens.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: KevShmev on August 14, 2017, 05:48:48 PM
I am also biased, but I think the answer is Rush.  Great last album and the final tour was really good.

Bowie went out great, too, releasing a fantastic album, one of his best, days before he died.

I might have said Pink Floyd, especially if Live 8 had been the last thing Floyd ever did, but while a solid release, The Endless River kind of took away from it.

Same for Queen and Made for Heaven.  Had Innuendo been the end, that would have been fitting, but Made in Heaven counts as a real final release.  I like Made in Heaven quite a bit, but it's not Innuendo.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: jammindude on August 14, 2017, 10:15:58 PM
Up until a few months ago, I would have said Galactic Cowboys.  Let it Go is *AMAZING*....but now they are releasing a new album, so that disqualifies them.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: The King in Crimson on August 14, 2017, 11:00:02 PM
Aside from Rush or Bowie, I would nominate Altar of Plagues. Teethed Glory and Injury was an amazing album, my favorite of 2013, and a really interesting change of sound for the band. Too bad they called it quits, but I guess at least they went out with a bang.

As for the Beatles, whether you count Abbey Road or Let It Be as their last album, either one works for me. I quite like Let It Be.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: twosuitsluke on August 15, 2017, 12:58:38 AM
I mean, depends on how you look at it, I would argue Abbey Road by The Beatles (the End medley is a great ending to the album) but technically Let it Be was released after, even if it was recorded before.

So much this.

The End medley is just  :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Stadler on August 15, 2017, 08:37:19 AM
...and 'Abbey Road' fit. 

Ah, but then they undermined that with Let It Be. Abbey Road should have been their swansong as far as studio albums go, but there you go.

The band themselves didn't undermine it.  Others around them did (though you could put John Lennon in that "others" group, since he gave the tapes - in desperation - to Phil Spector. 

I think it makes a difference if the band knows it's the end.  I don't think REM's "Collapse Into Now" is the same album if they knew it was the last one when they made it. 

I think Queen is the second or third best example (with the Beatles).  The best?  Glen Campbell.   Two months before he passes, he releases his last studio album, and the final song is called "Adios".   
          I got to leave you on the California coast
          Going where the water's clear and the air is cleaner
          Than the California Coast

          Our dreams of endless summers
          They were just too grandiose
          Adiós, adios

          And I'll miss the blood red sunset
          But I'll miss you the most
          Adios, adios
          Adios, adios


Sorry, huge Rush fan, but I think the "ending" of Clockwork Angels is a little over-rated.  I also disagree with "The Endless River" as a miss; it is a tremendous epitaph for Rick Wright, a major part of the Floyd sound.   It's a great album, especially at this stage of the career, but it's a little hyperbolic to say "/thread".   It's not even top five for me.

1. The Beatles
1. Glen Campbell
3. Queen
4. Genesis (with Phil - "Fading Lights")
5. Mother Love Bone
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: TAC on August 15, 2017, 09:00:57 AM
Clockwork Angels is a great way to go out, but I think it's enhanced by the absolute Rush suckage of the previous 20 years. Just sayin'..
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: bosk1 on August 15, 2017, 09:04:09 AM
5. Mother Love Bone

I kinda object to this one.  I mean, yeah, Apple was a fantastic album and all.  But it was really their first full-length album, and they were still an unknown band on the rise that was about to take off, but never did because of Andrew's sudden passing.  So they didn't really have much of a "career" to speak of.  And then they basically transformed into Pearl Jam.  So I'm not sure they really fit the spirit of what this thread is about.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Mladen on August 15, 2017, 10:19:28 AM
Clockwork Angels is a great way to go out, but I think it's enhanced by the absolute Rush suckage of the previous 20 years. Just sayin'..
Except that it's not. Counterparts is held in very high regard, and I would personaly rank Vapor trails above Clockwork angels. Not to mention that I've never seen any Snakes and arrows haters - it's not beloved, but there is no criticism surrounding it.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: TAC on August 15, 2017, 10:34:59 AM
Clockwork Angels is a great way to go out, but I think it's enhanced by the absolute Rush suckage of the previous 20 years. Just sayin'..
Except that it's not. Counterparts is held in very high regard, and I would personaly rank Vapor trails above Clockwork angels. Not to mention that I've never seen any Snakes and arrows haters - it's not beloved, but there is no criticism surrounding it.

I'm just being a jerk. I think Counterparts is longer than 20 years though. Personally I do like most of Vapor Trails. But you have just met your first S&A hater.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Grappler on August 15, 2017, 10:37:33 AM
Sentenced

Finland's answer to morose, melodic metal.  In 2005, they announced that they would write one final album as a farewell, then tour for the rest of the year.  The album was written specifically for the purpose of ending the band.

They filmed their final concert, intended as the band's funeral (their lyrics usually revolved around death, loss, and grieving).  They played 24 songs - 5 of them with their original singer, who they invited back for just this one concert and filmed it for a live DVD.  The final song on the album was intended as their farewell, and it was played at the end of the show as the final song of their career. 

"End of the Road" Live - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BtC3hnea0E

Quote
Here we are, now lay the burden down
 We're coming to the end of our road
 Sorrowful yet glorious somehow
 To be humming this one last ode
 So calm and still... it wasn't all that bad, or was it now?
 Fulfilled... it doesn't only hurt to end it now

 The funeral

 The memories beneath the dust of years
 They seem like those of someone deceased
 There's no more to be done, or hoped or feared
 Just waiting for the final release
 So calm and thrilled... it wasn't all that bad, or was it now?
 Still it doesn't only hurt end it now

 Is life over, this life's over?
 Or has it only just begun?
 It grows colder, starts to moulder...
 Coming apart yet still not done
 Forever one


Essentially, this is kind of what Motley Crue did, but without the shitty albums and signing a contract and band member drama.  The band just said "hey, this is it," put out a pretty kickass album and made the last show a funeral, which fit with their lyrics and themes.  Sadly, one of the guitarists died a handful of years later, so the band is certainly done.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: King Postwhore on August 15, 2017, 10:51:04 AM
Clockwork Angels is a great way to go out, but I think it's enhanced by the absolute Rush suckage of the previous 20 years. Just sayin'..
Except that it's not. Counterparts is held in very high regard, and I would personaly rank Vapor trails above Clockwork angels. Not to mention that I've never seen any Snakes and arrows haters - it's not beloved, but there is no criticism surrounding it.

I'm just being a jerk. I think Counterparts is longer than 20 years though. Personally I do like most of Vapor Trails. But you have just met your first S&A hater.

19 years between Counterparts and Clockwork Angels.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: SoundscapeMN on August 15, 2017, 10:55:40 AM
Aereogramme - My Heart Has a Wish That You Would Not Go
Anathallo - Canopy Glow
As Tall as Lions - You Can't Take it With You
Doves - Kingdom of Rust
Burst - Lazarus Bird
Falling Up - Falling Up
Kaddisfly - Horses Galloping on Sailboats
The Mars Volta - Noctourniquet
Savatage - Poets and Madmen
Silverchair - Young Modern
Spawn of Possession - Incurso
Textures - Phenotype
Time of Orchids - Namesake Caution
Tokyo Jihen - Daihakken

How many albums have to be in their catalog qualifies?

Because if only 2:

Battle Circus - Battle Circus
Clann Zu - Black Coates and Bandages
Jellyfish - Spilt Milk
Kiss Kiss - The Meek Shall Inherit What's Left
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: TAC on August 15, 2017, 10:59:39 AM
Clockwork Angels is a great way to go out, but I think it's enhanced by the absolute Rush suckage of the previous 20 years. Just sayin'..
Except that it's not. Counterparts is held in very high regard, and I would personaly rank Vapor trails above Clockwork angels. Not to mention that I've never seen any Snakes and arrows haters - it's not beloved, but there is no criticism surrounding it.

I'm just being a jerk. I think Counterparts is longer than 20 years though. Personally I do like most of Vapor Trails. But you have just met your first S&A hater.

19 years between Counterparts and Clockwork Angels.

(https://www.troll.me/images/really/oh-really-.jpg)
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Architeuthis on August 15, 2017, 11:01:43 AM
Hopefully Symphony X isn't on their way out. Their last album "Underworld" is fantastic, perhaps my fav SX album. I just hope "Swan Song"  isn't their swan song.. I would like to see them make more albums and tour some more.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: MirrorMask on August 15, 2017, 11:24:42 AM
Forgot about Sentenced.

I completely agree that it was a perfectly planned and executed ending for the band. They promised "This is it", and that was it, and yes, sadly that was definitively remarked by the untimely passing of the guitarist.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: TAC on August 15, 2017, 11:30:26 AM
I was also thinking about Thin Lizzy. They went out with a great album, Thunder And Lightning, and did a Farewell Tour. Their last show at Reading '83 is captured on a BBC Live In Concert CD, which is amazing!
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: nattmorker on August 15, 2017, 01:17:21 PM
Sentenced

Finland's answer to morose, melodic metal.  In 2005, they announced that they would write one final album as a farewell, then tour for the rest of the year.  The album was written specifically for the purpose of ending the band.

They filmed their final concert, intended as the band's funeral (their lyrics usually revolved around death, loss, and grieving).  They played 24 songs - 5 of them with their original singer, who they invited back for just this one concert and filmed it for a live DVD.  The final song on the album was intended as their farewell, and it was played at the end of the show as the final song of their career. 

"End of the Road" Live - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BtC3hnea0E

Quote
Here we are, now lay the burden down
 We're coming to the end of our road
 Sorrowful yet glorious somehow
 To be humming this one last ode
 So calm and still... it wasn't all that bad, or was it now?
 Fulfilled... it doesn't only hurt to end it now

 The funeral

 The memories beneath the dust of years
 They seem like those of someone deceased
 There's no more to be done, or hoped or feared
 Just waiting for the final release
 So calm and thrilled... it wasn't all that bad, or was it now?
 Still it doesn't only hurt end it now

 Is life over, this life's over?
 Or has it only just begun?
 It grows colder, starts to moulder...
 Coming apart yet still not done
 Forever one


Essentially, this is kind of what Motley Crue did, but without the shitty albums and signing a contract and band member drama.  The band just said "hey, this is it," put out a pretty kickass album and made the last show a funeral, which fit with their lyrics and themes.  Sadly, one of the guitarists died a handful of years later, so the band is certainly done.

I forgot about Sentenced. For me, that's the perfect example, great farewell album and great farewell song (one of my favorite songs ever) and certainly great funeral concert.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: King Postwhore on August 15, 2017, 01:30:47 PM
Clockwork Angels is a great way to go out, but I think it's enhanced by the absolute Rush suckage of the previous 20 years. Just sayin'..
Except that it's not. Counterparts is held in very high regard, and I would personaly rank Vapor trails above Clockwork angels. Not to mention that I've never seen any Snakes and arrows haters - it's not beloved, but there is no criticism surrounding it.

I'm just being a jerk. I think Counterparts is longer than 20 years though. Personally I do like most of Vapor Trails. But you have just met your first S&A hater.

19 years between Counterparts and Clockwork Angels.

(https://www.troll.me/images/really/oh-really-.jpg)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/550x350q90/924/vRvJ11.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/f/povRvJ11j)
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: TAC on August 15, 2017, 01:43:35 PM

(https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/550x350q90/924/vRvJ11.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/f/povRvJ11j)


(https://d3ew4rh7xxgmkq.cloudfront.net/performer/150248/photos/150248-f628e36227d74db98bedddc532c2d48e-2.jpg)
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 15, 2017, 02:08:29 PM
As mentioned before: Savatage - Poets and Madmen isn't the best but it's good enough. But a little part of me hopes that they will make another record.

If Van Halen doesn't get his ass off the ground A Different Kind Of Truth is not a bad way to end a career.

Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Adami on August 15, 2017, 02:19:27 PM
Maybe I'm reading too much into the OP, but I thought ending the career in a great way was a bit more than just releasing a pretty good final album.

I still look to Rush for this one. Did a good, well received, ambitious final album, with a huge final tour that celebrated their entire career and they ended things on their terms.

Then I look at Queen, and the only arguments in favor of them having a perfect ending is the perspective that after Freddie, it stopped being queen, despite being billed as Queen (plus others, sure, but still Queen).

I don't think a lot of bands end their careers in great ways. It often ends with a string of irrelevant albums, or a huge break up, or changing members and losing that original touch.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Stadler on August 15, 2017, 02:25:36 PM
Maybe I'm reading too much into the OP, but I thought ending the career in a great way was a bit more than just releasing a pretty good final album.

I still look to Rush for this one. Did a good, well received, ambitious final album, with a huge final tour that celebrated their entire career and they ended things on their terms.

Then I look at Queen, and the only arguments in favor of them having a perfect ending is the perspective that after Freddie, it stopped being queen, despite being billed as Queen (plus others, sure, but still Queen).

I don't think a lot of bands end their careers in great ways. It often ends with a string of irrelevant albums, or a huge break up, or changing members and losing that original touch.

Or just a quiet fade, like The Kinks. 
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Adami on August 15, 2017, 02:26:08 PM
Maybe I'm reading too much into the OP, but I thought ending the career in a great way was a bit more than just releasing a pretty good final album.

I still look to Rush for this one. Did a good, well received, ambitious final album, with a huge final tour that celebrated their entire career and they ended things on their terms.

Then I look at Queen, and the only arguments in favor of them having a perfect ending is the perspective that after Freddie, it stopped being queen, despite being billed as Queen (plus others, sure, but still Queen).

I don't think a lot of bands end their careers in great ways. It often ends with a string of irrelevant albums, or a huge break up, or changing members and losing that original touch.

Or just a quiet fade, like The Kinks.

Not too familiar with The Kinks, always been a bit too vanilla for all of that.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: rumborak on August 15, 2017, 04:13:59 PM
Maybe I'm reading too much into the OP, but I thought ending the career in a great way was a bit more than just releasing a pretty good final album.

I still look to Rush for this one. Did a good, well received, ambitious final album, with a huge final tour that celebrated their entire career and they ended things on their terms.

Then I look at Queen, and the only arguments in favor of them having a perfect ending is the perspective that after Freddie, it stopped being queen, despite being billed as Queen (plus others, sure, but still Queen).

I don't think a lot of bands end their careers in great ways. It often ends with a string of irrelevant albums, or a huge break up, or changing members and losing that original touch.

I think for most bands it's a question whether their demise is a conscious decision or not. Rush simply retired, which meant they could prepare an ending they saw fit. Queen ended with Freddie's long-coming death, and that too liberated them musically in a lot of ways, allowing them to return to their roots, or do very pensive songs, without fear of career suicide. David Bowie, same thing.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Adami on August 15, 2017, 04:16:05 PM
We just agree that Queen ended. I think ending on that Freddie tribute show would have been the greatest way any band could end.

I just disagree that they ended there.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: KevShmev on August 15, 2017, 05:48:44 PM
Maybe I'm reading too much into the OP, but I thought ending the career in a great way was a bit more than just releasing a pretty good final album.


Agreed. It seems like some are just going with "this band released a good final album." 

To give a good example, by using a band I am not a big fan of, the current Guns N' Roses reunion tour has apparently been great and a huge success.  Let's say that this tour was their ending. I would say that qualifies as a great ending, even though it is only a tour we are talking about (no new album to go along with it), given the self-inflicted turmoil that engulfed them for decades.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Architeuthis on August 15, 2017, 05:55:12 PM
I'm not a big GnR fan either, but I wouldn't mind seeing them at The Gorge in Washington State in early September. Especially now they got Slash back..
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: LordCost on August 16, 2017, 06:46:14 AM
Aereogramme - My Heart Has a Wish That You Would Not Go
Anathallo - Canopy Glow
As Tall as Lions - You Can't Take it With You
Doves - Kingdom of Rust
Burst - Lazarus Bird
Falling Up - Falling Up
Kaddisfly - Horses Galloping on Sailboats
The Mars Volta - Noctourniquet
Savatage - Poets and Madmen
Silverchair - Young Modern
Spawn of Possession - Incurso
Textures - Phenotype
Time of Orchids - Namesake Caution
Tokyo Jihen - Daihakken

How many albums have to be in their catalog qualifies?

Because if only 2:

Battle Circus - Battle Circus
Clann Zu - Black Coates and Bandages
Jellyfish - Spilt Milk
Kiss Kiss - The Meek Shall Inherit What's Left
I agree with you with Aereogramme, but Noctourniquet is not one of my favourite Mars Volta albums.

I may add also Oceansize. Their last album is the one I listen the most now, maybe I overplayed the others.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: SoundscapeMN on August 16, 2017, 08:10:57 AM
Aereogramme - My Heart Has a Wish That You Would Not Go
Anathallo - Canopy Glow
As Tall as Lions - You Can't Take it With You
Doves - Kingdom of Rust
Burst - Lazarus Bird
Falling Up - Falling Up
Kaddisfly - Horses Galloping on Sailboats
The Mars Volta - Noctourniquet
Savatage - Poets and Madmen
Silverchair - Young Modern
Spawn of Possession - Incurso
Textures - Phenotype
Time of Orchids - Namesake Caution
Tokyo Jihen - Daihakken

How many albums have to be in their catalog qualifies?

Because if only 2:

Battle Circus - Battle Circus
Clann Zu - Black Coates and Bandages
Jellyfish - Spilt Milk
Kiss Kiss - The Meek Shall Inherit What's Left
I agree with you with Aereogramme, but Noctourniquet is not one of my favourite Mars Volta albums.

I may add also Oceansize. Their last album is the one I listen the most now, maybe I overplayed the others.

see I happen to really like Noctourniquet, contrary to many other fans. I like it more than both Octahedron (which I think was okay, especially for the band's intention/style with it), and Bedlam in Goliath which the mixing and production I find to be so much worse than Noctourniquet, Noctournique, almost by default, felt like a breath of fresh air.

Aereogramme were great, and it's a shame they never did anything after that. Iain Cook of course has found success with Chvrches, but I can't say I've ever cared for them. I just would think the hordes of fans they have would discover Aereogramme at some point, but I dunno if it's ever happened really.

On Oceansize, while I love them, to me, Self-Preserved is clearly my least favorite (and least listened to) album. It has some good work on it, but jeez, comparing it to Frames and Everything Into Position, I can't fathom ever seeing it in the same category. I even spoke to Mike Vennart a little about that last April when I saw him with Biffy Clyro, and the band was not in the best shape at the point they made Self Preserved. Largely per their drummer Mark Heron.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Sycsa on August 16, 2017, 09:16:26 AM
Hopefully Symphony X isn't on their way out. Their last album "Underworld" is fantastic, perhaps my fav SX album. I just hope "Swan Song"  isn't their swan song.. I would like to see them make more albums and tour some more.
Came here to post this, SX popped into my mind immediately after reading the title. Underworld is my favorite album of the past X years, if only they had released a live DVD of the tour. That said, hopefully it's not the end. The Legend never--
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Architeuthis on August 16, 2017, 09:49:41 AM
The legend never dies.. Great song!
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: LordCost on August 16, 2017, 12:19:57 PM
Aereogramme - My Heart Has a Wish That You Would Not Go
Anathallo - Canopy Glow
As Tall as Lions - You Can't Take it With You
Doves - Kingdom of Rust
Burst - Lazarus Bird
Falling Up - Falling Up
Kaddisfly - Horses Galloping on Sailboats
The Mars Volta - Noctourniquet
Savatage - Poets and Madmen
Silverchair - Young Modern
Spawn of Possession - Incurso
Textures - Phenotype
Time of Orchids - Namesake Caution
Tokyo Jihen - Daihakken

How many albums have to be in their catalog qualifies?

Because if only 2:

Battle Circus - Battle Circus
Clann Zu - Black Coates and Bandages
Jellyfish - Spilt Milk
Kiss Kiss - The Meek Shall Inherit What's Left
I agree with you with Aereogramme, but Noctourniquet is not one of my favourite Mars Volta albums.

I may add also Oceansize. Their last album is the one I listen the most now, maybe I overplayed the others.

see I happen to really like Noctourniquet, contrary to many other fans. I like it more than both Octahedron (which I think was okay, especially for the band's intention/style with it), and Bedlam in Goliath which the mixing and production I find to be so much worse than Noctourniquet, Noctournique, almost by default, felt like a breath of fresh air.

Aereogramme were great, and it's a shame they never did anything after that. Iain Cook of course has found success with Chvrches, but I can't say I've ever cared for them. I just would think the hordes of fans they have would discover Aereogramme at some point, but I dunno if it's ever happened really.

On Oceansize, while I love them, to me, Self-Preserved is clearly my least favorite (and least listened to) album. It has some good work on it, but jeez, comparing it to Frames and Everything Into Position, I can't fathom ever seeing it in the same category. I even spoke to Mike Vennart a little about that last April when I saw him with Biffy Clyro, and the band was not in the best shape at the point they made Self Preserved. Largely per their drummer Mark Heron.
Bedlam is my favourite TMV album, but I don't listen to them almost anymore. I liked Noctourniquet more than Octahedron, but I didn't love both.

I like all the Oceansize albums equally. If I had to do a top 50 albums I would have troubles to choose one album only.

I think Aereogramme are still unknown as they were when they broke up...
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Orbert on August 16, 2017, 12:49:35 PM
I mentally put posthumous releases into their own category, so I guess in that case I don't think of them as "spoiling" a good ending.

Queen ended, then Made in Heaven happened, but despite Freddy's voice on the album, it was a posthumous release, so I don't really count it.

Same with Pink Floyd and Endless River.  Something like a tribute to Rick Wright or just a posthumous release, but not the "real" final album.


People were talking about perfect endings that were spoiled by the band actually carrying on, and Genesis comes immediately to mind.  We Can't Dance was a fine album, and the closing track "Fading Lights" is itself a reference to the ending of it all.  Then effing Calling All Stations came out, half-baked and poorly received, and ruined that beautiful ending.  They even tried for a better ending with the 2007 reunion tour, but the songs were tuned down and slower, so it sounded like what it was: a bunch of old men trying to recapture the magic, and failing.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Dublagent66 on August 16, 2017, 12:54:30 PM
The first band that came to mind, without reading anything but the OP subject line, was:

RUSH

/thread.

Yeah the hell!   :hat
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: ZKX-2099 on August 16, 2017, 01:33:06 PM
I'm disappointed in myself for forgetting to mention Danger Days by MCR... guess I'm still hoping for a follow up.

Strapping Young Lad also ended strong with The New Black.

And Watershed by Opeth was a great ending as well. Shame about that shitty band that's been putting me to sleep with the same name.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Adami on August 16, 2017, 09:36:20 PM
I'm not 100% if the band is over, but if they are, The Gathering.

Their last concert (that I could see) was in 2014 and featured, I'm pretty sure, every former band member joining them for different songs. Sounds like an amazing way to go out. Just wish they released a DVD and not just audio.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Orbert on August 16, 2017, 10:07:34 PM
Never heard of that band, but that sounds like a great way to go.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Adami on August 16, 2017, 10:10:35 PM
Never heard of that band, but that sounds like a great way to go.

I'm hoping Metallica does a similar final show whenever it comes. They did it already with their anniversary thing, but it would also be a great way to go out.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Stadler on August 17, 2017, 07:22:07 AM
I mentally put posthumous releases into their own category, so I guess in that case I don't think of them as "spoiling" a good ending.

Queen ended, then Made in Heaven happened, but despite Freddy's voice on the album, it was a posthumous release, so I don't really count it.

Same with Pink Floyd and Endless River.  Something like a tribute to Rick Wright or just a posthumous release, but not the "real" final album.


People were talking about perfect endings that were spoiled by the band actually carrying on, and Genesis comes immediately to mind.  We Can't Dance was a fine album, and the closing track "Fading Lights" is itself a reference to the ending of it all.  Then effing Calling All Stations came out, half-baked and poorly received, and ruined that beautiful ending.  They even tried for a better ending with the 2007 reunion tour, but the songs were tuned down and slower, so it sounded like what it was: a bunch of old men trying to recapture the magic, and failing.

The way they played "Fading Lights" on the tour was great too - just the three of them.   If'n I recall, that may be the only time that that three of them played alone on stage.   
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: SoundscapeMN on August 17, 2017, 10:29:46 AM
I'm not 100% if the band is over, but if they are, The Gathering.

Their last concert (that I could see) was in 2014 and featured, I'm pretty sure, every former band member joining them for different songs. Sounds like an amazing way to go out. Just wish they released a DVD and not just audio.

I hope The Gathering aren't done, as their last record was really good.

I guess with Kaddisfly, the same can be said per they made their last record after being gone for 8 years, and it was really both for the fans and to complete the trilogy of albums they did. But like many fans, I am very much hoping they find the means to make more music in the near future.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Orbert on August 17, 2017, 11:09:27 AM
People were talking about perfect endings that were spoiled by the band actually carrying on, and Genesis comes immediately to mind.  We Can't Dance was a fine album, and the closing track "Fading Lights" is itself a reference to the ending of it all.  Then effing Calling All Stations came out, half-baked and poorly received, and ruined that beautiful ending.  They even tried for a better ending with the 2007 reunion tour, but the songs were tuned down and slower, so it sounded like what it was: a bunch of old men trying to recapture the magic, and failing.

The way they played "Fading Lights" on the tour was great too - just the three of them.   If'n I recall, that may be the only time that that three of them played alone on stage.   

The 7/8 jam from "The Cinema Show" was always performed as a three-piece (Banks, Rutherford, Collins).  This goes all the way back to the Seconds Out days, and they kept it that way.  Probably just because it's kinda cool to keep doing it that way.  So not an entire song, but a pretty significant jam.
Title: Re: Bands with a "perfect" ending to their career
Post by: Stadler on August 17, 2017, 11:10:21 AM
(Dammit!  I knew that too, but wasn't 100% sure so I hoped no one would notice.  HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA).